JP2002215538A - Communication system, entertainment device, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit information like a game by allowing a user to enjoy new amusement and interest through a network. SOLUTION: The system has a handbill preparation means 610 which prepares handbill information 502 according to a free format or fixed format, a handbill transmission means 612 which transmits handbill information 502 to a server 204, a reception processing means 614 which receives the handbill information 502 from the server 206 and receives items from other users, an answer-back processing means 616 which sends back items in response to the sent handbill information 502 and sends back, e.g. a thank-you card in response to the sent handbill information 502, and a degree-of-intimacy updating means 618 which increments the degree of intimacy concerning the other users who emit a reply when the transmitted handbill information 502 is information concerning a request and the reply that agrees to the request is received.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system for exchanging information through a network, an entertainment device used on a client side of the communication system, and a program and data used in the entertainment device. The present invention relates to a recording medium and a program for implementing the communication system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, for example, a game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on a screen of a television receiver. There are devices that operate the operation device to advance the game.

In the entertainment system, the entertainment device and the operation device are usually connected by a serial interface. When a clock is sent from the entertainment device, the operation device is operated by a user (user) in synchronization with the clock. Is transmitted.

Further, recently, a vibration generating means for giving a vibration to a user in response to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment device) is provided in the operating device so that the device responds to the user's operation during a game, for example. As a result, a system for giving various vibrations to a user has been developed and has been put to practical use.

By the way, with the spread of the network (Internet), a user can easily retrieve information distributed from a server through a computer.
In addition, it has become possible to easily send texts to the other party using electronic mail. Of course, the user can not only receive information but also give information to the server.

[0006] The spread of such a network has resulted in simplification and speeding up of information acquisition, so that a user can acquire various information from around the world by text data or image data while staying at home or at a company.

[0007] Information is obtained through a network by connecting a user's computer to the network. If the information is only text data, a short connection is sufficient, but if capturing image data or audio data, a long connection is required, during which time the user will be bound by the computer, In addition, there is a problem that communication costs increase.

Therefore, conventionally, there is an example in which the connection between the user's computer and the network is made short, and in the short connection, information from the server is received and information from the user is transmitted. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 11-46193 and Hei 9
-269923).

Conventionally, there has been proposed an example in which information obtained from a server via a network is transmitted to a user through a character displayed on a monitor (for example, see JP-A-11-242546).

[0010]

However, in the prior art, for example, on the transmitting side, information describing the user on the transmitting side or data describing a question or the like from the user on the transmitting side is transmitted to the server, and other users are transmitted through the server. To be delivered to

In this case, the data to be distributed is only for the user, not for the character displayed on the monitor. That is, conventionally, a user uses information sent from another user while playing with the character for the character,
There is no concept of building good relationships with other users through characters.

Conventionally, when viewing the sent information, the user clicks a dedicated icon to open another window, so that there is not much difference from ordinary e-mail software. There may be a lack of persistence of interest.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and a user can use information transmitted from another user for a character while playing with the character, for example, through the character. By building a good relationship with other users, users can enjoy unprecedented fun over the network,
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, an entertainment device, a recording medium, and a program that can enjoy handling various kinds of flyer information, and as a result, can transmit information as if playing a game.

[0014]

A communication system according to the present invention includes a server connected to a network, and an entertainment device accessible to the server and the network and connected to at least a display device. The entertainment device may further include a flyer processing unit that transmits, to the server, at least flyer information in which contents related to a character displayed on the display device are displayed, to another entertainment device.

The entertainment apparatus according to the present invention can be accessed through a network with a server, and at least contents related to a character displayed on the display apparatus are displayed in the entertainment apparatus to which at least the display apparatus can be connected. And a flyer processing means for transmitting the flyer information to the server in order to distribute the flyer information to another entertainment apparatus.

Further, a recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium on which a program or data used in an entertainment device accessible through a server and a network is recorded, and is displayed at least on the display device. The information processing apparatus further includes a flyer processing step of transmitting the flyer information in which the content regarding the character is displayed to the server in order to distribute the flyer information to another entertainment device.

The program according to the present invention is used in an entertainment device accessible through a server and a network, and is read by a computer and executed by a computer, wherein at least the contents related to a character displayed on the display device are included. The method further comprises a flyer processing step of transmitting the displayed flyer information to the server in order to distribute the flyer information to another entertainment device.

Thus, for example, flyer information from a certain entertainment device is distributed to another entertainment device via a network and a server. In this case, the flyer information is not about the user, but about the character displayed on the display device connected to the user's entertainment device. Therefore, the user who receives the flyer information gives some kind of answer (including a reply) for the character,
A gift is given for the character of another user. Through such answers and presents, a good relationship with other users is established.

That is, in the present invention, the user uses information transmitted from another user for the character while playing with the character, and establishes a good relationship with the other user through the character. Thus, the user can enjoy unprecedented fun via the network.

The flyer processing means (step)
May have a flyer creating means (step) for creating the flyer information based on input information including at least graphic data, and a flyer transmitting means (step) for transmitting the flyer information.

In this case, it is possible to create handbill information describing handwritten pictures and characters in a free format through the handbill creating means (step). By sending such flyer information to another user, the other user feels as if he / she has received a handwritten letter, and can build a closer relationship. In addition, since it is handwritten, characters and pictures can be easily drawn, and it is possible to enjoy the fun that is not included in the fixed format.

The flyer processing means (step)
A flyer creating means (step) for arranging the input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to create the flyer information; and as the flyer information, at least information on the selected format and A flyer transmitting unit (step) for transmitting information on the arrangement of the input information to the server may be provided.

As a result, one selected from a plurality of formats can be selected.
The input information is arranged along one of the formats, and the flyer information is created. Then, when transmitting the flyer information, at least information on the selected format and information on the arrangement of the input information are transmitted. That is, on the side of receiving the flyer information, the flyer information is restored based on the information on the selected format and the information on the arrangement of the input information sent. In this case, there is no need to send graphic data or the like having a large data amount, and only text data is required as transmission data. Therefore, the transfer speed can be increased, and information can be quickly exchanged.

And said flyer transmitting means (step)
May include transmission event processing means (step) for displaying an event including display of a specific character related to the flyer when the flyer information is created through the flyer creation means (step).

For example, when the flyer information is created through the flyer creating means (step), a specific character appears, and after passing the flyer information to the specific character, the specific character disappears from the screen. By performing this event, it is possible to establish an interesting transmission style, such as transmission of flyer information. The actual transmission of flyer information is performed electronically, but by performing such an event, the feeling that a specific character will deliver a flyer with a physical image to other users To increase the affinity for a particular character,
Interest in information exchange through flyer information can be maintained.

Further, the server may have a flyer distribution means (step) for distributing the received flyer information to any other entertainment device. In this case, the handbill distribution means (step) distributes the handbill information to an entertainment device related to a user who meets a delivery condition included in the received handbill information, among the other entertainment devices. Is also good.

[0027] Thus, the flyer information can be transmitted not to an unspecified number of users but to users who are likely to be interested in the flyer information to be transmitted, and a good relationship with other users can be established. Time can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the user who transmits the flyer information for the first time can exchange information with another user in a short time, and a user who is not good at information exchange can easily do so without hesitation.

The flyer processing means (step)
Upon receiving the flyer information from the server,
A reception event processing unit (step) for displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to a flyer may be provided. Thereby, for example, at the time of receiving the flyer information, a specific character appears and starts distributing the flyer information, or a character other than the specific character receives the flyer information from the specific character, or falls into place. Events such as picking up flyer information are displayed. In this case, an interesting reception style of the flyer information can be established.

The reception event processing means (step) may include a flyer display means (step) for displaying the received flyer information in accordance with a predetermined input operation. In this case, when the flyer information is created by arranging the input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats, the flyer display means (step) relates to at least the selected format. The flyer information is restored and displayed based on the information and the information on the arrangement of the input information.

[0030] The predetermined input operation may include an instruction for the specific character being displayed. Here, for example, when the display mode is such that the cursor moves in response to an input operation, the cursor is set to a specific character, so that the specific character can display the flyer information as if it is made of paper so that the user can recognize it. An event display such as displaying a flyer may be performed.

[0031] Further, the predetermined input operation may include an instruction for a character other than the specific character being displayed. In the same manner as described above, for example, when the display mode is such that the cursor moves in response to an input operation, the cursor is set to a character other than the specific character, and the flyer information is obtained or picked up. The character may perform an event display, such as displaying the flyer information as if a paper flyer were opened, so that the user would understand.

In order to establish a good relationship with another user, the flyer processing means (step) transmits the flyer information when the transmitted flyer information is information relating to the request and receives a reply that meets the request. A parameter updating means (step) for increasing and updating a parameter indicating good relation with respect to another user who has given the answer may be provided.

In this case, the parameter indicating the goodness of the relationship may be referred to at least in a motion display process of a character displayed on the display device.
Thereby, for example, when a user is enjoying a conversation with the characters, a certain character pops out a statement such as giving a present to the characters of another user who is in a good relationship, and a good relationship is formed. It is possible to perform processing such as incorporating a topic about a certain other user.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a communication system, an entertainment apparatus, a recording medium, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the communication system 2 according to the present embodiment
1, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a server 204 connected to a network 202 and a plurality of entertainment systems 10 accessible through the server 204 and the network 202.

In this embodiment, the network 20
Reference numeral 2 denotes the Internet, and the server 204 is a predetermined Web site (Web server having a home page). The user connected to the Internet 202 has w
Internet 202 through WW (World Wide Web)
Information can be viewed in hypertext format.

On the other hand, the entertainment system 10
Basically, as shown in FIG. 2, an entertainment device 12 for executing various computer programs
A memory card 14 detachably attached to the entertainment device 12;
Operating device (controller) detachable from 2
16 and a monitor 18 which is a display device (display) such as a television receiver to which video / audio signals from the entertainment device 12 are supplied.

The entertainment device 12 includes, for example,
A computer program recorded on a large-capacity recording medium such as an optical disk 20 such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM is read, and a game or the like is executed in response to an instruction from a user (user: a game player, for example). It is for. The execution of the game mainly includes receiving an input from the controller 16 through the connector 15,
This means controlling the progress of the game while controlling the display and sound on the monitor 18.

This entertainment device 12 is similar to that of FIG.
As shown in the figure, the shape has a flat rectangular parallelepiped overlapped. On the front panel of the entertainment device 12, a disk tray 22 that moves back and forth as a disk mounting portion on which an optical disk 20 that is a recording medium of a computer program and related data is mounted, and a computer program that is currently being executed. A reset switch 24 for arbitrarily resetting the disk tray 22;
, An open button 26 for pulling out the memory card 14, two insertion ports 30 of the memory card 14, two controller terminals 32 into which the connector 15 of the controller 16 is inserted, and the like. On the back side of the entertainment device 12, there are a power switch 28, video and audio output terminals,
An AV multi output terminal (not shown) connected to the monitor 18 via an AV (audio visual) cable is provided.

The entertainment apparatus 12 reads the computer program from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM on which a computer program or data of a computer game (video game) is recorded and executes the computer program. In addition to the control function of displaying characters and scenes on the monitor 18 by the
movie playback and CDDA (compact disk)
It has various built-in control functions such as music playback by digital audio. It also has a function of executing a computer program obtained by communication via a communication network or the like. During the execution of the video game computer program, a three-dimensional computer graphics image generated by the entertainment device 12 is displayed on a monitor 18 as a display device.

In this case, the signal from the controller 16 is also processed by one of the above-mentioned control functions of the entertainment apparatus 12, and the content thereof is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18.
For example, it is reflected in the movement of the character, the switching of the scene, and the like.

The controller 16 is provided with first and second operation units 51 and 52 at the center left and right of the upper surface, and third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 at the side surface. Is provided with a left rotary operator 70 and a right rotary operator 72, each of which is a joystick for performing an analog operation.

The first operation unit 51 is, for example, a monitor 18
Is a pressing operation section for giving an action to a character or the like displayed on the screen of the optical disk 20, and its function is set by a computer program or the like recorded on the optical disc 20.
The first operation unit 51 has four operation keys (direction keys) 51a, 5
1b, 51c and 51d. Direction key 5
1a is also referred to as an up key, the directional key 51b as a down key, the directional key 51c as a left key, and the directional key 51d as a right key.

The second operation section 52 has four columnar operation buttons 52a, 52b, 52c, 52 for pressing operation.
d. On the head of each of the operation buttons 52a to 52d,
The identification marks “△”, “５２”, “×”, and “□” are attached to the operation buttons 52a to 52d, respectively.
c, □ button 52d.

Each operation button 52 of the second operation section 52
The functions of a to 52d are set by a computer program or the like recorded on the optical disc 20. Each of the operation buttons 52a to 52d includes, for example, a left arm of a character or the like,
Functions to move the right arm, left foot, and right foot are assigned.

The third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 have substantially the same structure, and two operation buttons (L1 button) 53a for pressing operation and an operation button (L2
Button) 53b and operation button (R1 button) 54
a, an operation button (R2 button) 54b. These third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 are also
The function is set by a computer program recorded in the PC, for example, a function for causing the character to perform a special operation is assigned.

Each of the left and right rotary operators 70 and 72 has a signal input element such as a variable resistor rotatable in a 360 ° direction about an operation axis, and outputs an analog value in accordance with the tilt. You. The left and right rotary operators 7
Numerals 0 and 72 are configured to return to a neutral position by an elastic member (not shown). The left and right rotary controls 7
When signals 0 and 72 are pressed downward, signals different from analog values associated with tilting of the rotary operators 70 and 72 are output. That is, the left and right rotary operators 70, 72
Has the functions of an operation button (L3 button) 70a and an (R3 button) 72a as fifth and sixth operation units for pressing operation.

By rotating and tilting the left and right rotary operators 70 and 72, for example, a character or the like is moved while being rotated, or the speed is varied while being moved, and further, the state is changed. It becomes possible to input a command signal that enables the movement.

In FIG. 2, the left and right rotary operators 70, 7
2 can be used by switching between the first and second operation units 51 and 52. The switching is performed by the analog mode switch 74. When the left and right rotary operators 70 and 72 are selected by the analog mode switch 74, the display unit 76 is turned on to display the selected state of the left and right rotary operators 70 and 72.

In addition to the above, the controller 16 includes a start button (start switch) 78 for instructing the start of a game or the like, and a select button (selection switch) 80 for selecting the degree of difficulty of the game at the start of the game. Is provided.

Next, referring to the block diagram of FIG.
The internal configuration of the entertainment apparatus 12 and the general operation thereof will be described.

The entertainment device 12 is provided to a CPU 401 for controlling the entertainment device 12 with a RAM 402 as a semiconductor memory and a bus 40.
3 are connected to each other.

The bus 403 is connected to a graphic synthesizer (GS) 404 and an input output processor (IOP) 409. GS4
04 includes a RAM (image memory) 405 including a frame buffer, a Z buffer, a texture memory, and the like, and a rendering engine 406 having a rendering function including a rendering function for a frame buffer in the image memory 405.

The GS 404 thus configured is connected to the monitor 18 as an external device via an encoder 407 for converting, for example, a digital RGB signal or the like into an NTSC standard television system.

The IOP 409 includes a driver 410 for reproducing and decoding data recorded on the optical disk 20, a sound generation system 412, a memory card 14 as an external memory including a flash memory, a controller 16, an operating system, and the like. Are respectively connected. Sound generation system 4
Reference numeral 12 is connected to a speaker 414 and a monitor 18 as external devices via an amplifier 413, and supplies an audio signal.

The sound generation system 412 includes a sound processing unit (SPU) 422 that generates musical sounds, sound effects, and the like based on instructions from the CPU 401.
And a sound buffer 424 for storing musical tones, sound effects, and the like generated by the SPU 422. SPU
Signals such as musical tones and sound effects generated by the 422 are supplied to the speaker 414 and the audio terminal of the monitor 18, and are output (produced) from the speaker 414 and the monitor 18 as musical sounds and sound effects. I have.

Here, the SPU 422 has, for example, an ADPCM decoding function of reproducing 16-bit audio data as adaptive differential coding (ADPCM) as a 4-bit differential signal, and stores the data in the sound buffer 424. It has a reproduction function of generating a sound effect or the like by reproducing the stored waveform data, a modulation function of modulating and reproducing the waveform data stored in the sound buffer 424, and the like.

By providing such a function, the sound generation system 412 is used as a so-called sampling sound source that generates musical tones, sound effects, and the like based on waveform data recorded in the sound buffer 424 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 401. You can do it.

The memory card 14 has, for example, a CP
It is a card-type external storage device comprising a U or a gate array and a flash memory, and is detachable from the entertainment device 12 shown in FIG. The memory card 14 stores a state in the middle of the game, a program for playing a DVD, and the like.

The controller 16 is for giving a command (binary command or multi-value command) to the entertainment apparatus 12 by pressing a plurality of mounted buttons. In addition, the driver 410 uses an MPEG (moving pictu
re experts group) has a decoder to decode images encoded according to standards.

Next, how an image is displayed on the monitor 18 by the operation of the controller 16 will be described. It is assumed that object data including polygon vertex data, texture data, and the like recorded on the optical disc 20 is read via the driver 410 and stored in the RAM 402 of the CPU 401.

When an instruction from a user is input to the entertainment apparatus 12 via the controller 16, the CP
U401 calculates the position of the object in three dimensions (3D) and the orientation with respect to the viewpoint based on the instruction. Thereby, the polygon vertex data of the object defined by the coordinate values of the three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z are respectively changed. The changed polygon vertex data is converted into two-dimensional coordinate data by a perspective transformation process.

The area specified by the two-dimensional coordinates is a so-called polygon. Two-dimensional coordinate data after conversion, Z
The data and the texture data are supplied to the GS 404. The GS 404 performs rendering based on the converted two-dimensional coordinate data and Z data, and sequentially writes (draws) texture data on an image memory 405 (in this case, a frame buffer) as a memory, thereby performing a drawing process. Do. The texture data to be drawn is
An image for one frame completed by this drawing processing is encoded by the encoder 407, and then supplied to the monitor 18 and displayed on the screen as an image.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the server 204 comprises a server main body 300 composed of, for example, a personal computer, and a customer management database 302 connected to the server main body 300, for example.

Next, the characteristic functions of the communication system 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

This function is used for distributing at least the flyer information to another entertainment apparatus 12 by the server 204.
Is to be transmitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a user who has properly registered for the network service provided by the communication system 200 according to the present embodiment is assigned to the corresponding island 50 in the virtual space of this network service.
Live in 0 The distribution of the flyer information 502 means that a certain island 500 (for example, user A) is
0 indicates that the flyer information 502 is distributed.

For example, in FIG. 5, handbill information 502 is distributed from the island 500 of the user A, and another user who has read the handbill information 502 gives, for example, a rice ball 504 as a required item, or is different from the required item. Banana 506
Or give. The user A thanks for responding to the flyer information 502 and pays for the money 508 and the thank-you card 51.
0 (a card with a thank you message) will be sent. By performing such a series of operations, a good relationship is established between these users, and intimacy is increased. Of course, money 508 and thank you card 5
10 may not be sent.

Here, the flyer information 502 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the character 52 displayed on the monitor 18
7, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a picture 522 indicating an item such as a tool or food that the character 520 can handle, and a message indicating that these items are presented or requested. 524,
In addition, a sender name (including a character name) and the like are displayed. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a picture 522 of a tomato and a message 524 requesting the tomato are displayed, and FIG. 8 shows a picture 522 of the rice ball, a message 524 requesting the rice ball, and a sender An example in which the name 526 is displayed is shown.

The creation of the flyer information 502 is performed, for example, by double-clicking the telephone 532 installed in the house 530 of the character 520 as shown in FIG.
This is done by displaying the flyer creation screen. On the flyer creation screen, for example, a free format and a plurality of fixed formats can be selected. When the free format is selected, a picture and a message can be described by handwriting. When an arbitrary fixed format is selected from a plurality of fixed formats, the handbill information is completed by describing the message, the name of the sender, etc. so as to fill in the blank portion.

When the flyer information 502 is completed, an icon 540 symbolizing the flyer information 502 is displayed at the right end of the screen, for example, as shown in FIG. At this time, an object to which the flyer information 502 is to be distributed (for example, a distribution area, an age group, gender, and the like) may be determined and added to the flyer information 502 as a distribution condition.

When the flyer information 502 is completed, the flyer information 502 is used in a conversation with the characters.
Is received, a message indicating that a virtual character (hereinafter, referred to as a handbill delivery person 542 for convenience) has arrived. When the user recognizes the arrival of the flyer 542 from the conversation between the characters, the user switches the scene to a place where the flyer 542 appears, for example, as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and the icon 540 indicating the flyer information 502 displayed on the right end of the screen is dragged and dropped to the flyer delivery person 542.

At this point, the flyer delivery person 542 becomes a display form having a leaflet made of paper, sends a message to the effect that the flyer information 502 is delivered to the user, and disappears from the place (erase display). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the scene on the screen is switched to a scene traveling on the boat 546. After this event display,
Alternatively, the flyer information 50 is almost synchronized with the event display.
2 is transmitted to the server 204.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server 204 receives the handbill information 502 from the user registered in the customer management database 302, and if no delivery condition is added to the handbill information 502, any other The flyer information 502 is distributed to registered users (other users registered in the customer management database 302).

If the distribution condition is added, a user matching the distribution condition is searched for from other registered users, and the flyer information 502 is distributed to the searched user.

The other users to whom the flyer information 502 has been distributed are referred to by the flyer delivery person 54 in conversation with the characters.
You receive a message that 2 is coming. When the other user recognizes the arrival of the flyer 542 from the conversation of the characters, the other user switches the scene to a place where the flyer 542 appears, for example, as shown in FIG.
Further, the user causes the cursor 544 to be displayed on the screen,
By placing the cursor 544 on the flyer delivery person 542 and double-clicking, for example, the flyer information 502 can be confirmed. That is, the handbill delivery person 542 displays the contents of the handbill information 502 as if the paper handbill were opened so that the other user can understand.

When the other user gives a “close” instruction, the flyer information 502 is displayed as an icon 540 at, for example, the upper left corner of the screen. When the flyer information 502 is viewed, it can be confirmed at any time by double-clicking the icon 540 of the flyer information 502.

The flyer information 502 can be obtained (acquired) through characters in which the other user is enjoying conversation in addition to the above-mentioned flyer delivery person 542. That is, as one pattern, the flyer 5
The character 520 that encounters 42 is the flyer 542
Is a case in which the character receives the flyer information 502 from the user and shows it to the other user. Another pattern is a case where the characters pick up the flyer information 502 dropped by the flyer delivery person 542 and show it to the other user.

If a message requesting an item is described as the flyer information 502, for example, the other user presents the item to the sender (more precisely, to the characters of the sender. By giving the present to the sender as a (present), a good relationship is established between the sender and the other user. In other words, mutual intimacy increases.

The flyer information 502 may include, for example, a message indicating that an item is presented in addition to the request. In this case, for example, the other user sends a message to the sender as a flyer information 502 indicating that he / she wants the item. In contrast, when the sender presents an item to the other user as a present, a good relationship between the sender and the other user is established.

When a good relationship is established between a certain user and another user, for example, when a certain user is enjoying a conversation with characters, for example, a certain character may be changed to another user who has a good relationship. A comment such as giving a present to some of the characters pops out. That is, a process of including a topic about another user who has a good relationship is performed.

Next, an example of software capable of realizing the above functions will be described with reference to FIGS.

The software operates on the entertainment device 12 and distributes the flyer information 502 indicating at least the contents of the character 520 displayed on the monitor 18 to the other entertainment device 12. 204 that operates on the server 204 and that has flyer distribution processing means 602 that distributes the flyer information 502 received via the network 202 to any other entertainment device 12. Can be adopted.

In particular, the flyer processing means 600 is provided to the entertainment device 12 via a randomly accessible recording medium such as the optical disk 20 or the memory card 14, or via the network 202. Here, the description is given on the assumption that the flyer processing unit 600 operates by being read from the optical disc 20 into the entertainment apparatus 12.

That is, the flyer processing means 600 is operated on the CPU 401 by being downloaded to the RAM 402 of the entertainment apparatus 12 through a predetermined process from a specific optical disc 20 reproduced in advance by the entertainment apparatus 12, for example. It has become.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the flyer processing means 600 creates a flyer information 502 based on a free format or a fixed format.
A flyer transmitting unit 612 for transmitting the flyer information 502 to the server 204;
02, receiving an item from another user, receiving an item from another user, returning an item in response to the transmitted flyer information, and returning, for example, a thank-you card 510 to the response to the transmitted flyer information. The response processing means 616 and the transmitted flyer information 502 are information relating to the request, and when receiving a response conforming to the request, increase the intimacy (good relation) with respect to other users who have issued the response. And an intimacy updating unit 618 for updating.

The flyer creating means 610 creates the flyer information 502 based on at least input information including graphic data.
A second flyer creating unit 622 for arranging the input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to create the flyer information 502, and a delivery condition adding unit for adding a delivery condition to the flyer information 502 624.

When the flyer information 502 is created by the flyer creating means 610, the flyer transmitting means 612 displays an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer information 502.
30.

The reception processing means 614 includes a flyer reception processing means 640 for receiving the flyer information 502 from the server 204 and performing a process such as a reply, and an item reception processing means 642 for receiving an item presented by another user. .

The flyer reception processing means 640
4, when receiving the flyer information 502, a reception event processing unit 650 for displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer information 502, and a response processing unit 65 for responding to the flyer information 502.
And 2. The reception event processing unit 650 performs the reception of the received handbill information 502 according to a predetermined input operation.
Is displayed.

The handbill display means 660 determines that the handbill information 502 indicates that the input information is one of a plurality of formats selected from a plurality of formats.
A flyer restoring unit 662 for restoring and displaying the flyer information 502 based on at least the information on the selected format and the information on the arrangement of the input information in the case where the flyer information 502 is created by arranging along the two formats. .

When the received flyer information 502 includes a delivery condition, the handbill distribution processing means 602 of the server 204 determines whether or not the other entertainment apparatus 12 has an entertainment related to a user who satisfies the delivery condition. A sorting / distributing unit 670 for distributing the flyer information 502 to the device 12 is provided.

Next, the processing operations of the flyer processing means 600 in the entertainment apparatus 12 and the flyer distribution processing means 602 in the server 204 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, in the flyer processing means 600, FIG.
In step S1, it is determined whether or not there is an operation input from the user. If there is an operation input, the process proceeds to the next step S2, and it is determined whether or not the operation input is related to the creation of a flyer. If it is related to the creation of a flyer, the process proceeds to the next step S3, and the processing by the flyer creation unit 610 is started.

In the processing by the flyer creating means 610,
First, in step S101 in FIG. 15, it is determined whether a free format is selected. When the free format is selected, the process is started by the first flyer creating means 620. First, in step S102, a blank free format flyer is displayed. Next, in step S103, it is determined whether or not there is a handwriting input. If there is a handwriting input, the process proceeds to the next step S104, where the image data obtained by the handwriting input is displayed and edited.

Thereafter, in step S105, the image data obtained by handwriting input is stored as flyer information 502. When the processing in step S105 is completed,
Alternatively, if it is determined in step S103 that there is no handwriting input, it is determined in next step S106 whether or not the processing in the first handbill creating unit 620 has been completed. This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not an operation has been performed on the determination button (〇 button 52b). If the processing in the first handbill creating means 620 has not been completed, the process returns to step S103, and
The processing after 103 is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the format is not a free format, the process proceeds to step S101 in FIG.
The process proceeds to 107, where the process is executed by the second flyer creating means 622, and one fixed format is selected from a plurality of fixed formats prepared in advance.

When the fixed format is selected, the next step S
At 108, the selected fixed form is enlarged and displayed. Thereafter, in step S109, it is determined whether or not an operation input has been made. If there is an operation input, the process proceeds to the next step S110, where the input information is displayed and edited according to a fixed format.

Thereafter, in step S111, at least information on the selected fixed format and information on the arrangement of the input information are stored as flyer information. At the stage when the processing in step S111 is completed, or when it is determined in step S109 that there is no input, it is determined in next step S112 whether or not the processing in the second flyer creating unit 622 has been completed. Is done. This determination can also be made, for example, by using the enter button (〇
Is performed depending on whether or not an operation has been performed. If the processing in the second flyer creation unit 622 has not been completed, the process returns to step S109, and the processing from step S109 onward is repeated.

Then, when it is determined in step S106 in FIG. 15 that the processing by the first handbill creating means 620 has been completed, or in step S1 in FIG.
If it is determined in step 12 that the processing by the second flyer creating unit 622 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S113 in FIG.
In, it is determined whether or not to add a distribution condition.

If there is an input operation to add a distribution condition, the process enters distribution condition adding means 624, and it is first determined in step S114 whether or not there is an input operation related to the distribution condition. If there is input,
Proceeding to the next step S115, the present delivery condition is registered in the flyer information 502. When it is determined that the input operation has not been performed in the stage where the processing in step S115 is completed or in step S114, the process proceeds to the next step S116, in which it is determined whether the processing in the distribution condition adding unit 624 has been completed. Is determined. This determination is also made based on, for example, whether or not an operation has been performed on the determination button (〇 button 52b). If the processing by the distribution condition adding means 624 has not been completed, the process returns to step S114, and the processing after step S114 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S116 that the processing by the distribution condition adding means 624 has been completed, the flow advances to the next step S117, where the flyer information 502 is displayed as an icon 540 as shown in FIG. Is displayed at the upper right corner of. When the processing in step S117 is completed, the processing in the flyer creating unit 610 ends.

Returning to the main routine of FIG. 14, in the next step S4, the processing by the flyer transmitting means 612 is started. The processing in the flyer transmitting means 612 is first performed in FIG.
In step S201 of FIG. 8, an event by the character 520 is displayed through the transmission event processing means 630. As the event display, for example, when the user is enjoying a conversation with a character (not shown) in the house 530 in FIG.
Another character (not shown) enters into 30,
For example, a story indicating that the flyer 542 is coming is exchanged. With this content, the user recognizes that the flyer 542 is coming.

Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not to switch the scene. This determination is made based on whether or not the user has performed an operation input indicating a scene change.

If the scene has been changed, the process proceeds to the next step S203, in which, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a flyer delivery person 542 is displayed, and then, in step S204, a cursor 544 is displayed. Next, step S
At 205, a predetermined operation, that is, the flyer
It is determined whether or not an operation of passing the flyer information 502 to 2 has been performed. The predetermined operation includes, for example, an operation of dragging and dropping an icon 540 indicating the flyer information 502 displayed on the right end of the screen to the flyer delivery person 542 using a cursor 544 displayed on the screen. is there.

If a predetermined operation has not been performed in step S205, or if scene switching has not been performed in step S202, step S206 is performed.
The other processing is performed according to the operation input by the user.

In the step S205,
If the predetermined operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S207, and an event display by the flyer delivery person 542 is performed through the transmission event processing means 630. As the event display, for example, the flyer delivery person 542 becomes a display form having a paper flyer, and a message to distribute the flyer information 502 is sent to the user and disappears from the place (erase display). As shown in FIG. 11, the scene is switched to a scene of traveling on the boat 546.

Next, in step S208, the user's ID code and the flyer number are added to the flyer information 502 and transmitted to the server 204, and the processing by the flyer transmitting means 612 is completed.

Returning to the main routine of FIG. 14, in the next step S5, a flyer transmission list 700 (see FIG. 13) is created. This flyer transmission list 700 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, a type, an item name, and an answer status are registered in each record.

As the type, the transmitted leaflet information 502
A symbol for discriminating whether the user requests the item or presents the item, for example, “1: request, 0: present” is registered. As the response status, for example, a response indicating whether or not a request item has been received from another user with respect to the flyer information 502 indicating the item request, for example, “1: answered, 0: not answered” is registered. .

Next, the processing operation of the flyer distribution processing means 602 in the server 204 will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, the flyer distribution processing unit 602 first determines in step S301 whether there is any transmission to the server 204, that is, whether reception has been detected. If the reception is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S302, and the user ID is selected from the received data.
Take out.

Next, in step S303, it is searched whether the extracted user ID is a user ID registered in the customer management database 302, and in step S304, the search result is determined. That is, it is searched whether or not the sender is a user who is registered properly in this network service.

In step S304, when it is determined that the user is a legitimate user, the next step S305
To perform reception processing. Specifically, first, the flyer information 502 is read from the received data. Next, it is determined whether or not a distribution condition is added to the read flyer information 502. If the distribution condition has been added, the process proceeds to the next step S307, and a user conforming to the current distribution condition is extracted from the regular users registered in the customer management database 302 through the selective distribution unit 670.

If it is determined in step S306 that the distribution condition has not been added, the process proceeds to step S30.
Then, the process proceeds to step S8, and among the legitimate users registered in the customer management database 302, the user to whom the current flyer information 502 is to be distributed is arbitrarily extracted.

When the processing in step S307 or the processing in step S308 has been completed, the flow advances to the next step S309 to transmit the current leaflet information 502 to the extracted user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the user is not a legitimate user, the process proceeds to step S31.
The process proceeds to 0, and an error message such as "Register as a regular member" is returned.

When the processing in step S309 or the processing in step S310 is completed, the flow advances to the next step S311 to determine whether or not there is a program termination request to the flyer distribution processing means 602. If there is no request to end the program, the process returns to the step S301, and the processes after the step S301 are repeated. At the stage where there is a program end request, the processing in the flyer distribution processing means 602 ends.

In the entertainment apparatus 12 to which the flyer information 502 has been transmitted from the server 204, FIG.
Steps S1 and S in the main routine
Then, the process proceeds to step S7 via the step S6, and the process by the reception processing means 614 is started. The processing by the reception processing means 614 is as follows. First, in step S401 in FIG.
02 is determined. Flyer information 50
If the reception is No. 2, the process proceeds to the next step S402, and the process in the flyer reception processing unit 640 is started.

In the processing by the flyer reception processing means 640, first, in step S501 in FIG. 22, an event by the character 520 is displayed through the reception event processing means 650. This display includes the character 52
For example, in the conversation with No. 0, a talk indicating that the flyer 542 is coming is exchanged. With this content, the user recognizes that the flyer 542 is coming.

Next, in step S502, it is determined whether or not to switch the scene. This determination is made based on whether or not the user has performed an operation input indicating a scene change.

If the scene has been switched, the flow advances to the next step S503 to display the flyer delivery person 542, and then displays the cursor 544 in step S504. Thereafter, in step S505, it is determined whether or not to switch the scene. If the scene has not been switched, the process proceeds to step S506, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation, that is, an operation to instruct the publication of the flyer information 502 has been performed. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of positioning the cursor 544 on the flyer 542 and double-clicking the same, for example.

If the predetermined operation has been performed, the flow advances to the next step S507, where an event is displayed by the flyer delivery person 542 through the reception event processing means 650. As this event display, for example, a flyer delivery person 5
42 is a display form in which the flyer made of paper is spread out so as to be seen by the user.

In displaying the flyer information 502,
When the flyer information 502 is created by the first flyer creating means 620, the flyer displaying means 660
The display is performed based on the graphic data included in the flyer information 502, and when the flyer information 502 is created by the second flyer creating unit 622, the selected flyer information 502 is selected through the flyer restoring unit 662. The display is performed based on the information regarding the format and the information regarding the arrangement of the input information. Thereafter, in step S508, the processing by the response processing means 652 is started.

On the other hand, if the scene has been switched in step S505, the flow advances to step S509 to display a state in which the characters 520 other than the flyer 542 have a paper flyer. This scene shows a situation in which the character 520 has received the flyer information 502 from the flyer delivery person 542 or has picked up the flyer information 502 that has fallen on the ground. In this case, the situation may be understood by the conversation of the character 520, for example.

Next, in step S510, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation, that is, an operation for instructing publication of the flyer information 502 has been performed. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation such as double-clicking the cursor 544 with the character 520 having the flyer information 502.

If the predetermined operation has been performed, the flow advances to the next step S 511 to display an event by the character 520 having a handbill through the reception event processing means 650. The event display may be, for example, a display form in which the character 520 having the flyer is spread out like a paper flyer so that the user can see it. The display of the flyer information 502 by the character 520 is also performed through the flyer display means 660 and the flyer restoration means 662 in the same manner as described above. Then, in step S508, the response processing unit 6
The process at 52 is entered.

It should be noted that a predetermined operation is not performed in step S506 or step S510,
If the scene has not been switched in step S502, the process proceeds to step S512, and other processing according to the user's operation input is performed.

The processing in the response processing means 652 in step S508 is performed first in step S6 in FIG.
At 01, it is determined whether or not a business card 680 (see FIG. 12) in which the information of the sender is described is attached to the flyer information 502. Here, the business card 680 is a document file in which a user's profile (user's individual information such as age, gender, hobby, etc.) and an e-mail address are described. On the screen, an icon in the form of a business card 680 is displayed. Is displayed.

If the business card 680 is attached to the flyer information 502, the process proceeds to step S602, and the business card 680 is automatically or in accordance with the operation input of the user as shown in FIG. Is to be bound. The user can confirm the contents of the file 682 by double-clicking the file 682, for example. It is also possible to copy, for example, a user ID from among the bound business cards 680 and to provide the items for transmission.

At the stage when the processing in step S602 is completed, or in step S601, the business card 68
If it is determined that 0 is not attached, the process proceeds to the next step S603, and it is determined whether or not the flyer information 502 received this time is related to the item request.

If it is an item request, the next step S6
The process proceeds to 04, and it is determined whether or not a reply is made immediately. If there is an operation input to reply immediately, step S7 in reply processing means 642 in FIG.
Proceed to step 04 to perform item transmission. This specific processing will be described later.

If it is determined in step S603 that the request is not an item request, that is, if it is determined that the item is presented, the process proceeds to step S605, and it is determined whether a reply is made immediately. If there is an operation input to reply immediately, the process proceeds to step S3 in the main routine of FIG. 14, and firstly, the flyer information 502 requesting the item is created, and in the next step S4, the user who transmitted the item presentation is sent to the user. Flyer information 502
Is transmitted, and in the next step S5, a process of registering the current transmission information in the flyer transmission list 700 is performed.

If it is determined in step S604 or step S605 in FIG. 23 that a reply is not to be sent immediately, the process proceeds to step S606, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed as an icon 540 on the screen. Thereafter, in step S607, a flyer reception list 702 (see FIG. 13) is created. This flyer reception list 702
As shown in FIG. 25, each record has an icon number, a type (a distinction between an item request and an item present),
An item name and a user ID are registered.

The icon number specifies the leaflet information 502 that has been turned into an icon.
By pointing an arbitrary icon 540 out of the icons 540 with the cursor 544, an icon number is specified from the coordinate data.

When the processing in step S607 ends, the processing in response processing means 652 ends.
Further, as shown in FIG. 22, when the processing by the response processing means 652 is completed, the flyer reception processing means 64
The processing at 0 ends.

Next, a case where a reply is made to the flyer information 502, particularly a case where an item is transmitted in response to the flyer information of the item request will be described. In this case, the process is performed by entering the processing of the reply processing means 616 in step S8 through steps S1 and S2 in the main routine of FIG. This reply processing means 6
In 16, the user information table 704 (see FIG. 13) shown in FIG. 26 is used.

This user information table 704 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, information of the user who has accessed so far is stored, and at least a user ID is stored in each record.
And intimacy are registered. The user information table 704 is linked to a file 682 to which a business card 680 is bound through a file number.

In the processing by the reply processing means 616, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the received handbill information 502 exists, as shown in FIG. This determination is made based on whether data is registered in the flyer reception list 702.

When there is the received flyer information 502,
Proceeding to the next step S702, the flyer information 502 is selected. This selection is made by selecting an arbitrary icon 5 out of the icons 540 of the flyer information 502 displayed on the screen.
This is performed by moving the cursor 544 to 40 and double-clicking, for example. By this selection, the handbill information 502 registered in the handbill reception list 702 is specified.

After the selection of the flyer information 502, in the next step S703, the currently selected flyer information 5 is selected.
It is determined whether or not 02 is related to the item request.
If it is related to the item request, the next step S7
In step 04, the user ID of the sender of the specified flyer information 502 is acquired from the flyer reception list 702.

Next, in step S705, an arbitrary item is transmitted to the user corresponding to the user ID. Next, in step S706, it is determined whether the transmitted item is an item (request item) that meets the item request. If the item is a request item, the degree of intimacy of the user who transmitted the item request is updated by +2 in the user information table 704 through the intimacy degree updating unit 618.

When the intimacy level of the user in the user information table 704 increases to, for example, +10 or more, the frequency of topics related to the user with high intimacy level in the conversation between the characters 520 and the conversation between the character 520 and the user. It is getting higher. For example, when the user is having a conversation with the characters, a certain character 520
Therefore, processing such as incorporating a topic about another user with high intimacy is performed, such as making a statement such as giving a present to characters of other users with high intimacy, or jumping out.

If the transmitted item is not the requested item, in step S708, the intimacy degree of the user who transmitted the item request is updated by +1 in the user information table 704.

Step S707 or step S707
When the processing in step 708 is completed, or in step S7
If it is determined in step 01 that there is no received flyer information 502, the processing by the reply processing unit 616 ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the handbill information 502 is not an item request but an item present, the process proceeds to step S3 in the main routine of FIG. 14, and first, the handbill information 502 requesting an item. Is created, and in the next step S4,
Flyer information 50 for the user who sent the item presentation
Then, in the next step S5, a process of registering the current transmission information in the flyer transmission list 702 is performed.

Next, a case where an item is transmitted from another user will be described. If an item has been transmitted from another user, the process proceeds to the reception processing means 614 in step S7 through steps S1 and S6 in the main routine in FIG. 14, and further, steps S401 and S403 in the routine in FIG. Through the item reception processing means 642 in step S404.

The processing in the item reception processing means 642 is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 28, first, in step S801, an event display by the character 520 is performed.
As the event display, for example, a scene in which the character 520 carries a gift containing an item is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG.
For example, before the user 20 looks at the user, the user opens the packaging of the gift 710, removes the item 712 from the package, and performs an operation display of jumping joyfully.

Next, in step S 802, for example, a flyer number attached to the gift 710 is obtained. The significance of attaching the flyer number to the gift item 710 is that the other user sets the flyer information 5 distributed by the user.
It is to indicate that the item was given by reading 02.

[0149] Next, in step S803, the flyer information 50 serving as the source of the gift of the item 712 is set.
It is determined whether 2 is related to an item request. This determination is made based on whether the type of the handbill information 502 corresponding to the obtained handbill number in the handbill transmission list 700 is an item request.

Next, in step S804, it is determined whether a response to the flyer information 502 has not been answered. This determination is made based on whether or not the answer of the handbill information 502 corresponding to the obtained handbill number in the handbill transmission list 700 has not been answered.

If there is no answer, the flow advances to the next step S 805, and the flyer information 502 in the flyer transmission list 700 is returned.
Is set to "1" indicating that there is an answer. Then, in step S806, the intimacy degree of the user who gave the item 712 is updated by +2 in the user information table 704 through the intimacy degree updating unit 618.

If it is determined in step S804 that there is an answer, or if it is determined in step S803 that the request is not an item request, the process proceeds to step S804.
The process proceeds to 807, in which the intimacy degree of the user who gave the item 712 in the user information table 704 is updated by +1.

Step S806 or step S806
At the stage when the processing in 807 is completed, the next step S80
Proceeding to 8, it is determined whether to return the thank-you card 510 or not. This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation input indicating a reply of the thank-you card 510 from the user.

If a reply is to be made, the next step S809
To the item 712 through the reply processing means 616.
Thank you card 510 for the user who gave me
Reply.

Then, at the stage when the processing in step S809 is completed, or when it is determined in step S808 that no reply is made, the processing in the item reception processing means 642 is completed.

Next, the thank-you card 5 is received from another user.
The case where 10 is returned will be described. When the thank-you card 510 is returned from another user, the process goes to the reception processing means 614 in step S7 through steps S1 and S6 in the main routine in FIG. 14, and further proceeds to step S7 in the routine in FIG.
The process proceeds to step S 406 via step 401, steps S 403 and S 405, and the thank-you card 51 in the user information table 704 through the intimacy degree updating unit 618.
The intimacy degree of the user who returned 0 is updated by +1.

Note that the received information is the flyer information 502,
If it is neither the item 712 nor the thank-you card 510, the process proceeds from step S405 to step S405 in FIG.
Proceeding to 407, another process is performed according to the received information.

When the processing in step S402, step S404, step S406 or step S407 ends, the processing in the reception processing means 614 ends.

Returning to the main routine of FIG. 14, when the processing in step S5, step S7 or step S8 has been completed, the flow advances to the next step S9 to determine whether there is a program termination request to the flyer processing means 600. It is determined whether or not it is. If there is no request to end the program, the process returns to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeated. At the stage where the program end request is received, the processing in the flyer processing means 600 ends.

As described above, in the communication system 200 according to the present embodiment, each entertainment device 12
In the server 2, at least the flyer information 502 displaying the contents related to the character 520 displayed on the monitor 18 is distributed to the other entertainment devices 12.
04 is provided, so that the flyer information 502 from a certain entertainment apparatus 12 is transmitted to the network 202 and the server 20.
4 to another entertainment device 12.

In this case, the flyer information 502 does not relate to the user but relates to the character 520 displayed on the monitor 18 connected to the user's entertainment device 12. Therefore, the flyer information 50
The user who receives 2 gives some answer (including a reply) for the character 520 or gives a present for the character 520 of another user. Through such answers and presents, a good relationship with other users is established.

That is, in the present embodiment, a user may use information sent from another user while playing with the character 520 for the character 520, and may communicate with other users through the character 520. The user can enjoy unprecedented fun via the network 202, such as establishing a relationship.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the first flyer creating means 620 for creating the flyer information 502 based on at least input information including graphic data, and the flyer information 502 are transmitted to the flyer processing means 600. Since it has a flyer transmitting means 612,
Through the first handbill creating means 620, handbill information 502 describing a handwritten picture or character in a free format can be created.

By sending such flyer information 502 to another user, the other user feels as if he / she has received a handwritten letter, and can build a closer relationship. In addition, since it is handwritten, characters and pictures can be easily drawn, and it is possible to enjoy the fun that is not included in the fixed format.

The handbill processing means 600 includes a second handbill creating means 622 for arranging the input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to create the handbill information 502; As 502, there is provided a flyer transmitting unit 612 for transmitting at least the information on the selected format and the information on the arrangement of the input information to the server 204, so that the information is provided along one format selected from a plurality of formats. The input information is arranged and the flyer information 502 is created. Then, when transmitting the flyer information 502, at least information on the selected format and information on the arrangement of the input information are transmitted.

In this case, there is no need to send graphic data having a large data amount, and only text data is required as transmission data. Therefore, the transfer speed can be increased, and information can be exchanged quickly.

Further, the flyer transmitting means 612, for example, when the flyer information 502 is created through the flyer creating means 610, a specific character (flyer delivery person 5).
42) appears, and after passing the leaflet information 502 to the flyer delivery person 542, an event that the leaflet delivery person 542 disappears from the screen is performed. Can be established.

The actual transmission of the flyer information 502 is performed electrically. By performing such an event, a flyer having a physical image can be transmitted to the flyer delivery person 54.
2 can have a feeling of delivering to another user, the affinity for the flyer delivery person 542 increases, and the interest in information exchange through the flyer information 502 can be maintained.

On the other hand, the server 204 has a flyer distribution processing means 602 for distributing the received handbill information 502 to any other entertainment device 12. Of the other entertainment devices 12, the server 204 The flyer information 5 is provided to the entertainment device 12 relating to the user who satisfies the distribution conditions included.
02, so that the flyer information 502 can be transmitted to a user who is likely to be interested in the flyer information 502 to be transmitted, instead of an unspecified number of users. The time for establishing a good relationship with the user can be significantly reduced. Therefore, a user who transmits the flyer information 502 for the first time can exchange information with another user in a short time, and a user who is not good at information exchange can easily exchange information without hesitation.

[0170] The flyer processing means 600 includes the server 2
Since the reception event processing unit 650 for displaying an event including the leaflet delivery person 542 when the leaflet information 502 is received from the terminal device 04 is provided, for example, the leaflet delivery person 542 appears when the leaflet information 502 is received. And then start distributing the flyer information 502, or if the character 520 other than the flyer 542 is
Event information such as receiving the handbill information 502 from the user 2 or picking up the handbill information 502 falling on the spot can be displayed. Therefore, an interesting reception style of the flyer information 502 can be established.

The communication system, the entertainment apparatus, the recording medium, and the program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may adopt various configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. is there.

[0172]

As described above, according to the communication system, the entertainment apparatus, the recording medium, and the program according to the present invention, information transmitted from another user while the user plays with the character is transmitted to the character. For example, a user can enjoy unprecedented fun via a network, such as building a good relationship with another user through a character. In addition, it is possible to enjoy handling various kinds of flyer information. Therefore, information transmission can be performed like a game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a communication system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an entertainment system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the entertainment device.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a server.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space of a network service provided by the communication system according to the present embodiment, in particular, exchange of handbill information and items.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of characters displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a created flyer information.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the created flyer information.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character's house.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation input for having a flyer distributor distribute flyer information.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a transmission event by a flyer.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation input for receiving handbill information delivered by a handbill delivery person.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a flyer processing unit that operates on the entertainment device according to the present embodiment and a flyer distribution processing unit that operates on the server.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a flyer processing unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a processing operation of a flyer creating unit;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the flyer creating means.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart (No. 3) showing the processing operation of the flyer creating means.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a flyer transmission processing unit.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a flyer transmission list.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a flyer distribution processing unit.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a reception processing unit.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a handbill reception processing unit.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a response processing unit.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a file to which a business card is bound;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the details of a flyer reception list.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a user information table.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a reply processing means.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of an item reception processing means.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the character is pleased to open a gift.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 entertainment device 16 controller 18 monitor 20 optical disk 200 communication system 202 network 204 server 302 customer management database 502 leaflet information 520 character 542 leaflet delivery person 600 leaflet processing means 602 leaflet distribution processing Means 610: Flyer creation means 612: Flyer transmission means 614 ... Reception processing means 616 ... Reply processing means 618 ... Familiarity update means 620 ... First flyer creation means 622 ... Second flyer creation means 624 ... Distribution condition addition means 630 ... Transmission event processing means 640 ... Flyer reception processing means 642 ... Item reception processing means 650 ... Reception event processing means 652 ... Response processing means 660 ... Flyer display means 662 ... Flyer restoration means 670 ... Selection distribution means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Akira Miyagi 7-1-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (72) Shingo Matsumoto 7-1-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Claims (43)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus comprising: a server connected to a network; and an entertainment device accessible to the server and the network and connected to at least a display device, wherein the entertainment device displays at least the display device. A communication system, comprising: a flyer processing unit that transmits flyer information in which contents regarding a character to be displayed are displayed to the server in order to deliver the flyer information to another entertainment device. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein said flyer processing means comprises: a flyer creating means for creating said flyer information based on at least input information including graphic data; and a flyer transmitting means for transmitting said flyer information. A communication system comprising: 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein said flyer processing means arranges the input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to create the flyer information; A communication system comprising: a flyer transmitting unit configured to transmit at least information on the selected format and information on an arrangement of the input information to the server as the flyer information. 4. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein said flyer transmitting means performs an event display including a display of a specific character related to the flyer when said flyer information is created through said flyer creating means. A communication system comprising means. 5. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein said flyer transmitting means performs an event display including a display of a specific character related to the flyer when said flyer information is created through said flyer creating means. A communication system comprising means. 6. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the server has a flyer distribution unit that distributes the received flyer information to any other entertainment device. 7. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein the handbill distribution means includes: an entertainment device related to a user who meets a distribution condition included in the received handbill information among the other entertainment devices. A communication system for distributing flyer information. 8. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the handbill processing means includes a reception event processing means for displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the handbill when receiving the handbill information from the server. A communication system comprising: 9. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein said reception event processing means has a handbill display means for displaying said received handbill information in accordance with a predetermined input operation. 10. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the handbill display means is configured to arrange the handbill information in a case where the handbill information is created by arranging input information along one of a plurality of formats. ,
A communication system for restoring and displaying the flyer information based on at least information on the selected format and information on an arrangement of the input information. 11. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for said specific character being displayed. 12. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for a character other than said specific character being displayed. 13. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein said flyer processing means sends said response when said transmitted flyer information is information relating to a request, and receives a response conforming to said request. A communication system comprising parameter updating means for increasing and updating a parameter indicating good relation with respect to the user. 14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the parameter indicating the goodness of the relationship is referred to at least in a motion display process of a character displayed on the display device. 15. An entertainment device accessible through a server and a network and connected to at least a display device, wherein at least a handbill information on which contents relating to a character displayed on the display device are displayed is displayed on another entertainment device. An entertainment apparatus, comprising: a flyer processing unit for transmitting to the server for distribution to the server. 16. A recording medium on which a program or data used in an entertainment device accessible through a server and a network is recorded, wherein at least a flyer on which contents related to a character displayed on the display device are displayed. A recording medium having a flyer processing step of transmitting information to the server for distributing information to another entertainment apparatus. 17. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the flyer processing step includes a flyer creating step of creating the flyer information based on at least input information including graphic data; and a flyer transmitting step of transmitting the flyer information. And a recording medium comprising: 18. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein said flyer processing step includes a step of arranging input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to generate said flyer information; A recording medium, comprising: a flyer transmitting step of transmitting, as the flyer information, at least information on the selected format and information on an arrangement of the input information to a server. 19. The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein said flyer transmitting step includes a step of displaying an event including a display of a specific character relating to the flyer when said flyer information is created through said flyer creating step. A recording medium having steps. 20. The recording medium according to claim 18, wherein the flyer transmitting step includes, when the flyer information is created through the flyer creating step, an event display including a display of a specific character related to the flyer. A recording medium having steps. 21. The recording medium according to claim 16, further comprising a flyer distribution step executed by said server and distributing the received flyer information to any other entertainment device. 22. The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein the flyer distribution step includes the step of: providing the entertainment device related to a user who meets a distribution condition included in the received flyer information among the other entertainment devices. A recording medium for distributing flyer information. 23. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the flyer processing step includes a receiving event processing step of, when receiving the flyer information from the server, displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer. A recording medium comprising: 24. The recording medium according to claim 23, wherein said receiving event processing step includes a handbill displaying step of displaying said received handbill information in accordance with a predetermined input operation. 25. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein the flyer display step is performed when the flyer information is created by arranging input information along one of a plurality of formats. ,
A recording medium for restoring and displaying the flyer information based on at least information on the selected format and information on the arrangement of the input information. 26. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for said specific character being displayed. 27. A recording medium according to claim 24, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for a character other than said specific character being displayed. 28. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein said flyer processing step includes a step of, when the transmitted flyer information is information relating to a request and receiving a response conforming to the request, issuing the response. A parameter updating step of increasing and updating a parameter indicating good relation with respect to the user. 29. The recording medium according to claim 28, wherein the parameter indicating the goodness of the relationship is referred to at least in a motion display process of a character displayed on the display device. 30. A computer-readable and executable program used in an entertainment apparatus accessible through a server and a network, wherein at least one of a flyer information indicating at least contents related to a character displayed on the display apparatus is displayed. A flyer processing step of transmitting the information to the server for distribution to the entertainment device. 31. The program according to claim 30, wherein the flyer processing step includes: a flyer creating step of creating the flyer information based on at least input information including graphic data; and a flyer transmitting step of transmitting the flyer information. A program characterized by having: 32. A program according to claim 30, wherein said flyer processing step includes a step of arranging input information along one format selected from a plurality of formats to generate said flyer information; A program, comprising: as a flyer information, a flyer transmitting step of transmitting at least information on the selected format and information on an arrangement of the input information to a server. 33. The program according to claim 31, wherein the flyer transmitting step includes a step of displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer when the flyer information is created through the flyer creating step. A program characterized by having: 34. The program according to claim 32, wherein the flyer transmitting step includes a step of displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer when the flyer information is created through the flyer creating step. A program characterized by having: 35. A program according to claim 30, further comprising a flyer distribution step executed by said server and distributing the received flyer information to any other entertainment device. 36. The program according to claim 35, wherein the flyer distribution step includes the step of distributing the flyer to an entertainment apparatus related to a user who meets a distribution condition included in the received flyer information among the other entertainment apparatuses. A program for distributing information. 37. The program according to claim 30, wherein the flyer processing step includes a reception event processing step of, when receiving the flyer information from the server, displaying an event including a display of a specific character related to the flyer. A program characterized by that: 38. A program according to claim 37, wherein said reception event processing step includes a handbill display step of displaying said received handbill information in accordance with a predetermined input operation. 39. The program according to claim 38, wherein the flyer display step comprises: when the flyer information is created by arranging input information in one of a plurality of formats.
A program for restoring and displaying the flyer information based on at least information on the selected format and information on the arrangement of the input information. 40. A program according to claim 38, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for said specific character being displayed. 41. The program according to claim 38, wherein said predetermined input operation includes an instruction for a character other than said specific character being displayed. 42. The program according to claim 30, wherein the flyer processing step is a step of, when the transmitted flyer information is information relating to a request, and receiving a response conforming to the request, the other leaflet issuing the response. A program having a parameter updating step of increasing and updating a parameter indicating a good relationship with respect to a user. 43. The program according to claim 42, wherein the parameter indicating the goodness of the relationship is referred to at least in a motion display process of a character displayed on the display device.